vigorous

adjective

vig·​or·​ous ˈvi-g(ə-)rəs 

1

: done with vigor : carried out forcefully and energetically

vigorous exercises

2

: possessing vigor : full of physical or mental strength or active force : strong

a vigorous youth

a vigorous plant

vigorousness noun

Synonyms

• dynamic
• energetic
• flush
• gingery
• lusty
• peppy
• red-blooded
• robust
• vital

Choose the Right Synonym for vigorous

vigorous, energetic, strenuous, lusty, nervous mean having or showing great vitality and force.

vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Examples of vigorous in a Sentence

She remained vigorous into her nineties.

His speech was met with vigorous applause.

She gave a vigorous defense of her beliefs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fata-Chan agrees with Page’s advice and suggests incorporating strength training twice a week, along with 75-150 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise or 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 10 Sep. 2024

People should also run air conditioners and air purifiers and avoid any vigorous physical activity, according to the agency. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2024

Using the whisk, gently knead the matcha into the water and then whisk in a vigorous Z pattern until a foam appears. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Sep. 2024

Gradually build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio activity, plus two strength-training sessions a week. —Sarah Klein, TIME, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vigorous, vigrous, from Anglo-French, from vigour

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

vigorous

adjective

vig·​or·​ous ˈvig-(ə-)rəs 

1

: having vigor : robust

vigorous youth

a vigorous plant

2

: done with force and energy

a vigorous protest

vigorously adverb

vigorousness noun